LegendMyth - Preface
To Berg and Hanson Publishing House,
In regards to your response, I had met with my client and discussed the possibility of a rewrite of her novel. The experience was...unique, to say the least.
I informed her of your reluctance to publish the work in its present form, which did not appear to surprise her at all. "I suppose there's not enough romance in it?" was the first thing she asked me. I told her that far from it, the novel was impressive. The attention to detail in the world-building was astonishing, especially the language and customs and history. She snorted at that. "Well, of course!" she said. "First hand experience and all of that good stuff".
"Oh, do you research cultures and languages for a living?" I had asked.
"No," she said. "I lived there and took notes"
I believe that it was at that point that the sarcastic tone of the book's narration made sense.
Passing along your message, I told her that the real problem of the book was the formatting. The pseudo-documentary form had rarely been applied to fantasies, admittedly, but that it was a bit too dull for the intended readership.
It was here that she opened her mouth as if to violently protest, only to silence herself and look thoughtful. "Yes, of course," she said. "I can understand that, from your point of view. What needs to be done with it?"
I gave her your notes, explaining your opinion that a rewrite to a more standard fantasy epic would better attract readers. "You wouldn't have to change any of the details," I added. "You'd just have to move it around."
She frowned and told me that she had never before written an actually story. "I think some stuff might get lost in the shuffle," she explained.
"Just do your best," I said. "You made this world. You have control."
She gave me an odd look at this, but did not respond. Instead, she took the notes and her old manuscript, shook my hand, and left the cafe that we were lunching at.
Several weeks passed and I received a new manuscript in the mail. "I hope this is what you were expecting," said the accompanying note. "Don't blame me if it's not as good. Tell me if there are any other problems. Signed, Anne Kellis"
Enclosed is the new manuscript, to review at your leisure. The title remains the same - Legendmyth.
Sincerely, Mary England
-------------------------
Note: Yes, I realize that I failed epically at a letter from a literary agent to a publishing house. I promise, I will fix that in the editing.
In regards to your response, I had met with my client and discussed the possibility of a rewrite of her novel. The experience was...unique, to say the least.
I informed her of your reluctance to publish the work in its present form, which did not appear to surprise her at all. "I suppose there's not enough romance in it?" was the first thing she asked me. I told her that far from it, the novel was impressive. The attention to detail in the world-building was astonishing, especially the language and customs and history. She snorted at that. "Well, of course!" she said. "First hand experience and all of that good stuff".
"Oh, do you research cultures and languages for a living?" I had asked.
"No," she said. "I lived there and took notes"
I believe that it was at that point that the sarcastic tone of the book's narration made sense.
Passing along your message, I told her that the real problem of the book was the formatting. The pseudo-documentary form had rarely been applied to fantasies, admittedly, but that it was a bit too dull for the intended readership.
It was here that she opened her mouth as if to violently protest, only to silence herself and look thoughtful. "Yes, of course," she said. "I can understand that, from your point of view. What needs to be done with it?"
I gave her your notes, explaining your opinion that a rewrite to a more standard fantasy epic would better attract readers. "You wouldn't have to change any of the details," I added. "You'd just have to move it around."
She frowned and told me that she had never before written an actually story. "I think some stuff might get lost in the shuffle," she explained.
"Just do your best," I said. "You made this world. You have control."
She gave me an odd look at this, but did not respond. Instead, she took the notes and her old manuscript, shook my hand, and left the cafe that we were lunching at.
Several weeks passed and I received a new manuscript in the mail. "I hope this is what you were expecting," said the accompanying note. "Don't blame me if it's not as good. Tell me if there are any other problems. Signed, Anne Kellis"
Enclosed is the new manuscript, to review at your leisure. The title remains the same - Legendmyth.
Sincerely, Mary England
-------------------------
Note: Yes, I realize that I failed epically at a letter from a literary agent to a publishing house. I promise, I will fix that in the editing.